Latest drone footage shows demolition progress in Oakengates amid town's major redevelopment
New aerial photographs have shown how work has progressed at the multi-million-pound redevelopment of Oakengates town centre and Telford Theatre.
Contractors began tearing down the auditorium of Telford Theatre in Oakengates back in November last year.
The work is part of the multi-million-pound redevelopment of Oakengates town centre, which includes the creation of a new, state-of-the-art theatre.
At the same time, work was taking place to demolish several buildings on the town's high street to create a new square and community space, which will eventually connect the theatre to the rest of the town.
The new two-tier auditorium will seat up to 756 people and will be complemented by a modern foyer, bar and dining space.
Plans also include a second, smaller studio theatre with 98 seats, a community arts room and enhanced backstage facilities.
It's hoped that the improved facility - which is being paid for with £15.5million of Levelling Up funding from the central government and a £1.5m contribution from Telford & Wrekin Council - will bring increased footfall to the town.
Our new photographs, taken this week, show that the majority of the demolition work has now finished, with the auditorium and Market Street buildings flattened.
A spokesperson for Telford & Wrekin Council said: "It’s the latest milestone in this project which will see a brand new theatre built on the same site with a larger auditorium, a new foyer and bar, a modern backstage studio theatre and a new community art room.
"Our new Telford Theatre will create 12 full-time jobs and many casual roles, and up to 100,000 people are expected to be attracted to 300 shows in the first year when it opens.
"The theatre will be a focal point in Oakengates but will link to the wider redevelopment of the town. This investment project is more than just a new theatre.We’re transforming shop units and frontages on Limes Walk and a number of businesses have benefitted massively already from moving into their new-look units in an improved town centre location.
"We’re also creating a brand new square and community spaces in the area directly outside the theatre which will open up the rest of Oakengates town - linking this space with Market Street where other businesses and services are based."
The overall 'Theatre Quarter project' aims to regenerate Oakengates' 1960s shopping precinct into what the council hopes will be a "modern, welcoming shopping experience".
The plans include the refurbishment of 14 new shop frontages, several new town centre homes, and the creation of a new enlarged public space to host events and the market.
Telford & Wrekin Council hope the Theatre Quarter scheme will be finished in Spring 2026, with the refurbished theatre opening in October that year.
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